Picture this: the best London art events to visit in August

From a Matisse exhibition with a personal touch to giant penguins in the park, there's a lot going on for creative types this summer.

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Kate Gordon27 July 2018

MOMENT OF MATISSE

It has been said that Matisse, rather than Picasso, was the most influential artist of the 20th century.

One of the last things American painter Ellsworth Kelly did before he died in 2015 was to curate a show of Matisse prints; he managed to influence everyone from the Abstract Expressionists through to “Colour Field” painter Kelly.

Now, gallerist Bernard Jacobson, a favourite with David Bowie, has put his personal collection of Matisse prints on show, including the first and last ones the artist made.

Master of prints: Matisse's influence is undeniable 
Bernard Jacobson Gallery

It’s a beautiful show where you can marvel at the simplicity of the line and works that reveal Matisse’s genius in being spontaneous and disciplined at the same time.

Until 15 September, Bernard Jacobson Gallery, 28 Duke Street, St James’s, SW1

POP SOME PERRY IN THE POST

Celebrations for the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary continue with the release of a set of Royal Mail stamps featuring art by some of the most-celebrated academicians.

Portable art: Grayson Perry designed this colourful shoulder bag
Royal Academy

Pick up a work by Grayson Perry or Tracey Emin for the 67p price of a first-class stamp, while larger postcards and posters are also available.

Better yet, visit the RA shop. We love the shoulder bag designed by Perry and the cufflinks by David Shrigley with a political message.

Royal Academy, Piccadilly, W1

PENGUINS IN THE PARK

The Instagram sensation of the summer is bound to be Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park.

The show is in its third year and with shimmering steeples and endless mirrors, the 2018 display is the best yet.

The organisers have extended the October fair and opened it to all with their version of an outdoor summer exhibition.

Poser: John Baldessari’s giant penguin is a surefire Instagram hit 
Frieze Sculpture

Prize picture moments will surely include South Korean artist Kimsooja’s towering needle sculpture, as well as John Baldessari’s giant penguin.

Rana Begum’s colourful sheets are already an Instagram hit, as are works from newer names Hugo Wilson and James Capper.

There are free workshops for kids on selected Saturdays, led by educators from Royal Society of Sculptors, and worksheets to fill out — download from Frieze’s website to follow Frida the Squirrel before you go.

For adults, ArtImbarc’s new app allows sculpture curator Clare Lilley to discuss and guide you. Simply point your phone at the piece to learn more about the works on view.

Frieze Sculpture, Regent’s Park, until 7 October

EXERCISE YOUR CHUCKLE MUSCLES

Jokes are a serious business — and as much about the person telling the joke, as the listener’s response. These works make you look and look again, as you think through just what is meant.

We love Richard Prince’s Joke Paintings but why not stop by Skarstedt Gallery and decide for yourself? Prince’s witty and subversive humour is slightly addictive.

Laugh out loud: Richard Prince's Joke Paintings are addictive
Skarstedt Gallery

On view are his flat, monochrome canvases with jokes neatly reproduced, allowing the message to come raging through. Case in point: “I never had a penny to my name, so I changed my name.” You might just find yourself laughing out loud.

Skarstedt Gallery, Benet Street, SW1